Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 393 – Of Queues and the British

18 Sep 2022 26 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: , , , , ,

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“An Englishman, even if he is alone, forms an ordely queue of one.”

George Mikes

Thank you, Spidey, for a little humour at this sombre time.

I think that if you have social media or access to a news channel or the internet, wherever you are on this planet, you will have heard of ‘The Queue’ or the ‘QueueEII’ (Not coined by me, but rather clever, don’t you think?)

The queue I am referring to is the queue all self-respecting Brits have been in training for all their lives.

It’s the queue that has stretched for 5 miles across London for those well-wishers who want to pay their respects to the late Queen, who is lying in state at Westminster Palace until before the funeral tomorrow.

People, including David Beckham (not one to push ahead, but wanting to pay his respects the way everyone who wishes to, should) are queueing for up to 17 hours, slowly walking at 0.1 miles an hour, shuffling towards the Palace, where they get a chance to personally pay their respects to our late Monarch.

It is the Queue of all queues. You get a wristband, you can’t save a place for others, there are toilets and water stations open along the way. If you wish to join, you are advised to bring food, drinks and blankets, and even stools to aid your wait. (Stops short at tents. No TENTS allowed!)

The Queue has its own YouTube channel and Twitter account and even its own weather mention!

It is a queue that has shown the most British of Britishness, where new friends are being made, and the general atmosphere is one of respect, and knowing they are part of a huge piece of modern British History in the making.

Some say the queue will be responsible for bringing Britain out of Brexit, and a part of the European Union again, as it stretches so far that France sees the latest to join the queue as it snakes onto their turf… (a little joke I read somewhere on Twitter!)

There was an accessible queue too, but that has now closed for any new joiners.

But, what an amazing show of respect from the people, not only of Britain but others who have come from other parts of the world, to do the same.

Charlie King 3, as one of my newest Reception students, told me he was called (I love it, King Charles the Third will always be Charlie King 3 to me from now on!) and the new Prince of Wales even came out to meet some of those at the front of the queue who had been there slowly moving all night, and they marvelled at the stoicism and will of those there, remarking that, had she witnessed it, the Queen would have truly appreciated this outpouring of love because that is exactly what it is.

Alas, I am not able to be a part of this queue, but I have all the channels on which to watch it happen in live action… And I will watch the emotional send-off, tomorrow, on TV at home.

So, are you good at queueing, or have you been a part of this historic Queue?

namaste

Wishing you a wonderfully peaceful Sunday, Peeps!

26 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. robbiesinspiration
    Sep 23, 2022 @ 18:38:45

    Hi Ritu, I take it you’ve had a busy week as I was looking for post from you and had to scroll all the way back to this one. I think it is perfectly correct that the Queen had such a good send off. She devoted her whole life to the people of Britain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. Jennie
    Sep 22, 2022 @ 12:25:33

    What an event is was. TV over here was like being there. Charlie King – I love it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more
    Sep 19, 2022 @ 13:55:15

    Hi Sis! Queuing is horrible. Maybe the Britains are similar to the former citizens of the German Democratic Republic. Lol There building a queue was standard. 😉 Apropos, the second strophe of the British national anthem gives a good explaination, that monarchy is over since a long time. 😉 Best wishes, Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. April Munday
    Sep 18, 2022 @ 19:08:32

    I was at an outdoor event today and, as we were queuing for the portaloos, my friend remarked that the British are world-class at queues. The one in London has been organised by an expert. As you say, I’m in it in my heart.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Erika
    Sep 18, 2022 @ 16:24:09

    The Queen’s death seems to unite the country again.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. Colleen M. Chesebro & WordCraftPoetry
    Sep 18, 2022 @ 14:39:35

    I’m in agreement with Annette, Sis. I’m there in my heart too.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. Annette Rochelle Aben
    Sep 18, 2022 @ 11:57:24

    In my younger days, I stood for 12 hours to buy concert tickets. In my heart, I queue for HRM, as I am certain she can feel our hearts more than she can fathom the physical lines. She may have been The Queen, but I believe she was always humble regarding the role bestowed upon her by birth! ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  8. beth
    Sep 18, 2022 @ 10:33:04

    while i am one of the only people who enjoy the camaraderie of standing in a queue, the hours put in here are amazing

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. TanGental
    Sep 18, 2022 @ 08:49:05

    I never really got slow TV thinking you had to be Norwegian and live half a year in the dark but the Queueing Channel is addictive.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. Sadje
    Sep 18, 2022 @ 08:11:17

    Can’t stand for long. So I’d rather avoid queues

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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